DHS eliminates order to remove shoes at airport security checkpoints
The policy change takes effect immediately at U.S. airports
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has eliminated one of the most hated rules at U.S. airport security checkpoints: the shoe removal rule.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in a press release Tuesday that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require Travelers are required to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints across the country.
“Ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy is the latest effort DHS is taking to modernize and improve the traveler experience at our nation’s airports,” Secretary Noem said.
While the rule may not apply to passengers who need additional layers of screening, Noem said, it will be the norm for most people going forward.
Other aspects of the TSA’s layered approach to security will remain in place during the TSA screening process. For example, passengers subject to ID verification, Secure Flight screening, and other processes must still proceed.
The end of the shoe-removing policy at airports is the latest in a series of changes DHS has implemented since the Trump administration took office.
On July 2, the TSA announced its “Serve with Honor, Travel with Ease” program, which offers special benefits to military members and their families.
The TSA began implementing REAL ID at airport checkpoints in May, which has seen a 94% compliance rate, leading to a more efficient security process.